Potential of buprenorphine/naltrexone in treating polydrug addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders

In recent years, we have seen regulatory approval being given for several new pharmacotherapies in the treatment of drug addiction disorders. Within the United States, the most noteworthy development has been the approval of buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid dependence, and its availability for prescribing in an office-based setting has resulted in thousands of additional patients going into treatment. Although approved medications for the treatment of cocaine and methamphetamine dependence are still lacking, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has devoted substantial effort toward meeting these clinical needs.(1) Recent studies of modafinil for the treatment of cocaine dependence have been especially encouraging. Looking to the future, the looming challenge is polydrug addiction, a situation that is often complicated by co-occurring psychiatric disorders. As we strive to address the needs of these complicated patients, studies of buprenorphine/naltrexone may hold the key to a major advance.